Weekend Snow and an Early Visit from Himself . . .

  

 This weekend we had our first significant snowfall.  Probably about 4 inches worth.  It may not sound like much but it's about as much as we got all of last winter!!!  The second Megan's feet hit the floor in the morning she wanted to be outside playing in it.  Miss Independent got as far as her boots, snow pants and coat and was out the door. 

"Mommmmmmyyyyy!! I need gloves and a hat!!!  I'm freeeezing!!!!!"

Everyone got in on the act and wanted to play outside including son number two above who thought it would be a good idea to run around the pool with nothing on his feet while the dog was chasing him. 

I think he'll rethink that next time.  : (

Brady's favorite kind of weather!!!!

 And what would a snowy day be without a snow angel??

Ummm . . .  I think it's a boy snow angel.  LOL!!!

We also got a visit from the man in red himself!!!  One of the many things I love about our town is how they've kept some traditions alive that many small towns have discontinued since I was a child. 

The fire department comes by every year with Christmas music playing and Santa and his helpers handing out candy canes to all the children in each neighborhood.  The fire department in the town where I grew up was always a big part of my life until pretty recently.  My father, uncles and cousins were all volunteers and my first husband was as well.  There were always activities going on at Christmas time for the kids.

 
I believe that traditions are so important and I believe they are something that kids really enjoy and look forward to and, hopefully, will pass along to my grandchildren (what???? Lol!!) some day. 


Wishing you a peaceful Monday ~ Wendy

Christmas Memories . . .

It's so hard to believe that another Christmas has come and gone so quickly. We already have Valentine's Day cards and candy in our local drug store!!

Once again, we were so blessed to be able to spend the holidays with friends and family.

My niece, Taylor.

My niece, Annie.

My "nephew", Tank. : )


And, in spite of a very unhappy baby with a double ear infection who wanted her Daddy and ONLY her Daddy . . .


Santa still got a thumbs up!! Not too shabby!!!! : )



Many blessings for a happy Tuesday ~ Wendy

Our Annual Visit to the Polar Express . . .

Last week we made our annual journey to the Essex Train Station in Essex, CT for a ride on the Polar Express. This year was extra special because the ride was shared with Grandparents and cousins and Aunt Michelle (my beautiful sister-in-law)!!



All aboard!!!!!




The Sleepytime Elves served us hot cocoa and cookies. It was delicious and my nephew, Andre, even noted that the cocoa "wasn't watery like it was last year." LOL!!!



Megan with MiMi and Grandpop.



Brendan looking out the window for Santa.



The anticipation was clearly getting to them!!!! : )



Wait a minute!! Is that who I think it is????



Finally, the moment had arrived!! Mrs. Claus (who I almost blinded with my flash!!) and The Big Man himself . . .



Santa Claus!!!!!



We had such a wonderful time and are already making plans for next year's trip!!


Oh, and I had to sneak a photo in of me and my honey. : )




Many blessings for a happy Monday ~ Wendy

Ready or Not Here They Come . . .

I've honestly been trying to block any thoughts of the impending holidays but the reality is that they're just around the corner ~ ready or not. Last nite, we were able to all sit down for a nice Sunday dinner. Since son #1 has gotten older and now has his license this has become more and more of a rare occasion. I'm sure the fact that I was cooking roast beef, homemade mashed potatoes and gravy had a lot to do with him being here. Whatever works!! : ) I took the opportunity to tell them that they had to start making their Christmas lists. Jim and I are going to start doing a little shopping at a time so I don't turn into a crazy woman mid-December when nothing has been done yet. Son #3 still believes in Santa which makes it fun. Son #2 told me last nite that he wishes he still believed because that made Christmas much more exciting then knowing it is your parents that set up all the gifts under the tree. I told him that there is a part of me that will ALWAYS believe there's a Santa and he got a gleem in his beautiful eyes. I think I had just given him permission to feel the same way and that made me very happy. : )

When I was playing around on the computer this morning I found some wonderful pictures of my version of a Country Christmas. Most of these photos came from Country Living magazine, either here in the States or abroad. I hope you enjoy them!!

I just love how Christmas isn't about just red and green anymore. Aqua and white are so pretty and peaceful which is how our holidays should feel.

Isn't this railing so, so pretty? I love how the greens pool at the bottom of the stairs. Everything flows so beautifully.

I loved this adorable country Christmas card holder. It doesn't hold very many cards but I would use it for my extra special ones that I hold onto year after year. I'm always on the lookout for a pretty card holder and have found several nice ones over the years. Currently, I'm using a vintage looking basket that has an old advertisement on the front for Better Homes & Gardens. I think I found it in Target a couple of years ago.

A pretty little Advent calendar that you can

make yourself.

What little girl (or grown up little girl) wouldn't love this fairy stocking?!!?

I hope you have a wonderful day!!

Many blessings ~ Wendy